Traveling to Singapore
Singapore draws almost 20 million visitors a year for tourism, business, events, medical and educational purposes. Travelers who wish to visit Singapore could be exempt from a visa or eligible to obtain a visa-on-arrival, while all others are required to obtain a Singapore visa.
Singapore visas can be issued as a single or multiple entry, and are normally valid for 65 days from the date of visa issuance. Validity dates may vary, as each application is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
You are advised to apply for a Singapore visa within 30 days, prior to your trip to Singapore. Please note that a visa does not guarantee entry into Singapore, as the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) makes final determinations on entry into Singapore.
Singapore visa types
Depending on the purpose of your trip to Singapore, applicants will apply for one of the following Singapore visa types:
- Business Visa: for short-term business, such as meetings, conferences, and negotiations
- Social Visa: also known as Singapore tourist visa, for tourism and holidays
- ICA Approval Letter: Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (or Ministry of Manpower (MOM) approval letter for entering Singapore.
Singapore visa requirements
Singapore Online visa
The following are the required documents for your online Singapore visa application through a local contact or authorized visa agent.
Passport copy
One photocopy of applicant’s biodata page of passport that is valid for at least 6 months from entry date into Singapore
Personal photo
One color passport photo (ICA requirements), taken within last 3 months, against white background, on non-reflective, matte or semi-matte finish paper
Application form
A completed visa application Form 14A
For Singapore local contact or authorized agent completed Form V39A application form is needed as well.
Singapore Sticker visa
These are the required documents for your application through the Singapore embassy, consulate, or VAC:
Passport copy
One photocopy of passport biodata page and all passport pages bearing prior travel records
Personal photo
One passport-sized color photo (ICA requirements), taken within last 3 months, against white background, on non-reflective, matte or semi-matte finish paper
Application form
A completed visa application Form 14A
Payment proof
Proof of payment of visa application fee
Ticket
Round trip or onward ticket (if available)
Accommodation
Hotel reservations (if available)
For Singapore local sponsor a completed Form V39A application form and a photocopy of Singapore ID card are needed as well.
Please be aware that additional documents may be required. Once the required documents have been gathered, make a copy for yourself and proceed with your Singapore visa application.
Singapore Entry visa
A Singapore Entry Visa is your pre-permission pass to request entry into Singapore. Once you are approved for a Singapore Visa to travel to Singapore, you must then obtain the permission to enter Singapore. Before ICA can consider you for entry into Singapore, you must meet the following basic requirements:
SG arrival card
All travelers are required to submit their health declaration information to ICA, within three days before their arrival to Singapore. You can apply via the SG Arrival Card e-Service or through a “SG Arrival Card” mobile application. Please note that the SG Arrival Card is not a visa or pass to enter Singapore
Funds
Sufficient financial means for your stay in Singapore
Entry visa
A Singapore Entry visa
Visa proof
Proof that you hold a visa to enter your next destination
Yellow fever certificate
A yellow fever vaccination certificate, if coming from high risk yellow fever countries
Ticket
Return or onward airline ticket (if available)
Singapore Visit pass
To be permitted entry into Singapore, you must obtain a Singapore Visit Pass. As of 11 March 2022, all foreign nationals arriving to Singapore by air will be emailed a digital Visit Pass (e-Pass), which substitutes a passport endorsement stamp. Your digital e-Passes will state the maximum duration period you are allowed to stay in Singapore.
Please note that the duration of stay of your entry pass is different than the validity period of your entry visa.
Some foreign nationals may be eligible for Visa-Free Transit Facilities (VFTF), a visa-free 96-hour transit in Singapore. Eligible countries include Georgia, India, China, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Commonwealth of Independent States.
Singapore visa application
Once applicant has gathered all the required documents, they can proceed to the application process.
Singapore Online Visa application via a local contact or authorized visa agent:
If you have a local contact, who is a Singapore citizen or permanent resident, with a “SingPass” account, your local contact can apply online for a Singapore visa on your behalf, via the SAVE system at the Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) website. Your local contact can then print a copy of your approved e-Visa through the online SAVE system.
Singapore Sticker Visa application through Singapore embassy, consulate, or VAC abroad:
- Prepare Singapore visa application
• Gather required documents
• Fill out application form online or fill and sign a printout of the form - Submit Singapore visa application
• Submit visa application and required documents at your nearest Singapore embassy, consulate, or VAC
• Pay visa application fees - Wait for Singapore visa decision
• If approved, receive your Singapore visa to your email or third-party service provider
• Verify that all information is correct and make a copy
To learn more about Singapore visa application procedures, you can visit the website of the Singapore Overseas Mission you plan to apply at.
Where to apply for Singapore visa
Within Singapore, a Singapore national, permanent resident, or authorized strategic partner can apply online on your behalf, via the SAVE system. Outside Singapore, you can apply for a Singapore entry visa at your nearest Singapore embassy, consulate, or visa authorization center (VAC).
Singapore visa processing time
Your Singapore visa will be normally processed within 3 business days after the day of your application. As delays may occur or additional information requested, it is advisable to apply for a Singapore visa within 30 days of your planned trip to Singapore.
